Studies of the Biological and Molecular Basis of the Inhibition of Activity of Phagocytic Cells by Anthrax Toxin

Abstract

Resting human neutrophils produce only small amounts of superoxide anion when stimulated with chemotactic peptides; preincubation with low concentrations of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) markedly increases this response, an effect referred to as priming. Priming is inhibited by anthrax toxin, an action presumably related to the critical role of the toxin in virulence of Bacillus anthracis. Priming has now been found to be mediated by platelets, and to involve action of a labile factor which is released from platelets by LPS. We present observations on conditions for release and activity of priming factor, on its chemical nature, and on the inhibition of its action by anthrax toxin. Keywords: Anthrax toxin, Polymorphonuclear neutrophils, Platelets, Priming, Lipopolysaccharide.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Apr 01, 1987
Accession Number
ADA188410

Entities

People

  • George G. Wright
  • Gerald L. Mandell
  • Paul W. Read

Organizations

  • University of Virginia

Tags

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Biomedical Research
  • Blood
  • Cardiovascular System
  • Cells
  • Cellular Structures
  • Chemistry
  • Diseases And Disorders
  • Granulocytes
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Leukocytes
  • Macrophages
  • Nucleotides
  • Peptide Growth Factors
  • Phagocytes
  • Polymorphonuclear Leukocytes
  • Polymorphonuclear Neutrophils
  • Proteins

Fields of Study

  • Biology

Readers

  • Immunology and Pathology
  • Microbial Pathology